I didn’t realize I’ve turned into a literary elitist snob. I can’t tell you the last time I’ve read a Stephen King book -what with them being for the unwashed masses and all. It has to be upwards of two decades. I USED to read every book he wrote, every time it was released. Then I got my degree and his works were beneath me. Fast forward to now. I have a disabled sister who recently moved into long term care. When I visit, I read to her. She requested that I read Cujo. I read Cujo when it was first released in 1981, 40+ years ago. Reading it now, all these years later, I just cannot express how impressed I am with the craftsmanship of the writing. Read it, that’s all I have to say - that man, he knows how to write a thriller.

  • ZennyDaye@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Stephen King just wrote the world’s worst-written 17 year old. It’s perfectly fine to acknowledge that his quality has fallen off. It’s not snobbery.

  • Alta_et_ferox@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I have a master’s degree in Rhetoric and Composition. I work as a professional writer and have for almost 20 years. Neither of these facts make me any better - or more intelligent - than anyone else. I was extremely lucky to have the opportunity to attend school and find a career I enjoy. That is all.

    Horror is one of my favorite genres. I also love poetry and literature.

    People read what they enjoy. Sometimes they read to escape incredibly cerebral jobs. Sometimes they read to be intellectually stimulated.

    I am glad that you rediscovered an enjoyment of Stephen King. However, I truly hope that you do not see people in terms of being part of “[the] unwashed masses.” Such a point of view is genuinely revolting.

    We are humans. Period.

  • milesbeatlesfan@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    What’s even more impressive is that King has virtually no memory of writing the book. He wrote it during the height of his addiction and doesn’t remember much, if anything, of writing it. He has said that he enjoys the book and wishes he remembered more about writing it.

  • darthva@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I have ADHD so my novel reading as an adult is very feast and fallow, but Stephen King books translate especially well to audiobooks which are excellent for me. I just finished The Dark Tower series for the first time and… wow. The ending is perfect, and I encourage everyone to make the journey.

  • smallblackrabbit@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    I had stopped reading Stephen King when he was taking so damn long to finish The Dark Tower books. I started up again when I heard from friends how good Doctor Sleep was and picked him up again.

    I’m glad I did. Reading is a recharging time for me, and immersing myself in a good story is one of the best ways to do it.